Laparoscopic Management of Post Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia: Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature

Abstract

Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is a serious complication following abdominal-thoracic trauma and is often missed in acute phase due to the presence of concurrent injuries. It can present later as diaphragmatic hernia which carries high morbidity and mortality. Traditionally, laparotomy or thoracotomy is performed to manage diaphragmatic hernias. However, laparoscopic approach is being increasingly used recently for both diagnosis and treatment of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. Here we describes laparoscopic management in two cases of post traumatic left sided diaphragmatic hernia. We found laparoscopic approach safe, feasible and effective alternative for management of post-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with short and uneventful post operative period in both of our cases. The patients were remaining asymptomatic during postoperative follow-up at two years.

Keywords

• blunt trauma
• diaphragmatic tear
• internal hernia
• thoraco-abdominal injury